Understanding TxDOT Regulations for Commercial Vehicles in San Antonio, Texas

As a primary gateway between Mexico and the U.S., many freight companies operate in San Antonio. Commercial vehicles are a common sight and hazard on city roadways. San Antonio’s Bexar County had more than 2,400 crashes involving commercial vehicles in 2023. Victims of these accidents often face life-altering injuries due to the size and weight of these trucks.

Truck drivers and companies must adhere to many regulations to keep roads safe. The San Antonio lawyers at Carabin Shaw investigate accidents to determine whether the driver or company failed to comply with those rules. If so, they can be liable for the victim’s injuries and other losses. If you have been hurt, contact us 24/7 at 800-862-1260 for a free case review in English or Spanish.

A “commercial motor vehicle” in Texas is a self-propelled or towed vehicle used to transport or deliver property. These trucks are subject to strict weight regulations, depending on the vehicle’s number of axles. Maintaining a correct weight is critical to avoid overstressing bridges and roads and keeping other motorists safe. Our attorneys investigate semi-crashes to determine whether the truck’s weight might have contributed to the accident.

Commercial trucks also have height restrictions to ensure safe navigation of power and communication lines. Length restrictions may also apply, depending on the vehicle’s type and size. Drivers of trucks that exceed size and weight limits must purchase a permit from the state for a single trip or annually.

Texas law also governs who can drive commercial vehicles to ensure they are operated safely and responsibly. To obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL), drivers must:

• Be at least 21 years old (18 if driving within state lines)
• Have no prior non-qualifying criminal offenses
• Complete testing and hold a learner’s permit for at least 14 days
• Have a medical examiner declare them physically able to operate the vehicle

Drivers with commercial licenses must follow specific guidelines for their hours of service, which include:

• Drivers must have at least 8 hours off duty before starting a shift
• Drivers can drive 12 hours and be on duty for up to 15 hours
• Drivers cannot drive more than 70 hours in a 7 days
• After an on-duty cycle, drivers must take at least 34 hours off

These strict rules are designed to prevent drowsy driving, a top cause of commercial vehicle accidents. Unfortunately, the need for a timely delivery can force drivers to break these rules, increasing the risk of commercial vehicle crashes in San Antonio, Texas.

Texas DOT regulations also require trucking companies and drivers to follow specific inspections, maintenance, and repair schedules. All commercial vehicles must be thoroughly inspected every year. In addition, carriers must keep up with regular inspections and servicing and maintain records to show they meet the requirements. Records include:

• Inspections, maintenance, repairs, and testing
• Identification information for each truck, including make, model, and serial number
• Dates and types of each routine inspection

At the end of a shift, truck drivers must also complete a written inspection that includes:

• Wheels, tires, and rims
• Service, hand, and trailer brakes
• Lights, reflectors, and rearview mirrors
• Horns and windshield wipers
• Steering and coupling mechanisms
• Emergency equipment and devices

Our personal injury lawyers collect all necessary records from the trucking company to investigate an accident and determine fault. This step is critical to having an experienced team of lawyers handle it, as trucking companies are often reluctant to provide information to accident victims.

Commercial truck accidents can be devastating for victims, who often find themselves seriously injured and unable to work. At Carabin Shaw, our Texas attorneys help accident victims investigate the crash, holding responsible parties liable for damages.

Our client reviews demonstrate our ability to maximize compensation for many injured victims. We also offer our services on a contingency-fee-basis, so you don’t pay us until we win your case. Contact us toll-free now at 800-862-1260.

For more information:

• TX DoT
• Texas Statutes 621
• TX DoT